Obama: Privilege to use King's Bible in inaugural

President Barack Obama receives the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday. First Lady Michelle Obama holds the bible as daughters Malia and Sasha watch.

The Associated Press

By Tracy BrownThe Associated Press

Published: Monday, January 21, 2013 at 4:47 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, January 21, 2013 at 4:47 p.m.

President Barack Obama says it was a privilege to take the oath of office using a Bible that had been owned by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Obama paused by a statue of King in the Capitol Rotunda after a luncheon hosted by members of Congress. He was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill.

"You know this is the first time I have seen this," he said.

The King bust — a bronze sculpture 36 inches high on a 66-inch high Belgian black marble base — has been in the Capitol Rotunda since 1986, according to the Architect of the Capitol.

King's Bible was one of two Obama used for the ceremonial inauguration.

"I had the great privilege that the Bible we used was his Bible and they asked for it to be inscribed," Obama said. The other Bible belonged to President Abraham Lincoln.

<p>President Barack Obama says it was a privilege to take the oath of office using a Bible that had been owned by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.</p><p>Obama paused by a statue of King in the Capitol Rotunda after a luncheon hosted by members of Congress. He was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill.</p><p>"You know this is the first time I have seen this," he said.</p><p>The King bust — a bronze sculpture 36 inches high on a 66-inch high Belgian black marble base — has been in the Capitol Rotunda since 1986, according to the Architect of the Capitol.</p><p>King's Bible was one of two Obama used for the ceremonial inauguration.</p><p>"I had the great privilege that the Bible we used was his Bible and they asked for it to be inscribed," Obama said. The other Bible belonged to President Abraham Lincoln.</p><p>Monday was the federal celebration of King's birthday.</p>